On May 22, 11:26*pm, (Doug Miller) wrote:
SWMBO wants me to build a small deck. Of course, every new project requires a
new tool, right? And my trusty Bosch cordless drill is showing its age a bit,
or to be more precise, the batteries are showing their age -- building a deck,
I'll definitely drain the batteries in much less time than it takes to
recharge them.

So I'm looking at other options, including compressed air drills (e.g. saw one
at the Borg this evening for $45 or so). But I got to wondering... almost
every cordless drill has a multi-position clutch to prevent overtightening, or
sinking screws too deep. Does anybody make an air drill with such a clutch?

We are getting away from what the original question is. I have not
seen an air drill with a clutch only because they wouldn't be of much
use. Air tools are specific in use not like electric which tries to
cover many uses. So hence why they don't have a clutch because there
are air impact drivers and air screwdrivers. I do agree that if air
powered was better that you would see many more contractors using them
(except nailers).

The question you have to ask yourself, is "Am I going to use it after
the job is done?". If you don't have much other use for it beyond the
scope of the deck, I wouldn't go that route. Then think about
compressor capacity. Is your compressor capable of the scfm needed for
the drill? Since it would be in use for longer durations, you need a
compressor that is at least a 30 gallon or higher and able to deliver
at least 8-9 scfm at 90 psi. Then if your compressor is smaller, it
constantly has to play catch up and then it is running nonstop. It
would be about the same as if you left your table saw running the
entire time you were building the deck. Not very good on the electric
bill.

I myself would go the cordless impact driver way since you said it is
about 140 square feet. You said that your drill is about 7 years old.
I would look at a drill/impact driver kit and keep your old one for
the times you could use 2 drills. I doubt that you would find an
impact driver kit that you could use the batteries on your old drill.

I have an air drill, It is nice for drilling wood because of the low
torque and high rpm, but I would not try to drive screws with it.

Allen